Winter is finally here!

We had a bit of snow this week. Max seems to like it, as long as he can come inside to warm his nose after eating all the snow and ice he can stomach!

Zoo Lights

We had a great time at Zoo Lights this year. The lights were spectacular! Most of the displays were animated. Our favorites were the penguins sliding down the hill, the animals decorating their tree, and the underwater scene.

It was also fun to go into the small animal house to see all the nocturnal animal that are usually sleeping. The huge python was crawling around it's display and turned it's head to look at us. Creepy!

Halloween

We had a great Halloween season. Halloween is my favorite holiday. I love predending to be someone, or something else, wearing silly clothes and not being mocked for it. I love cutting silly faces into pumpkins, and the way they look when the candles glow inside them. I love that there is no pressure, no gifts to buy, no expectations other than having fun. I love facing my fears. I am terrified of spiders. Like Batman I use my own worst fear to strike fear into the hearts of others by decorating my porch like the nest of a huge man-eating spider.

This year we went to Boo at the Zoo, the ward trunk or treat and of course the big night itself. We dressed up as:

Arthur Dent from the Hitchikers Guide

Little Bo Peep

Robot

Zombee

Ghost (not a scary one, one that just says oooooooooooooo!)

Annual Cub Scout Cake Auction

Riley and I made a dirt cake for the cub scout auction this week. It was a hit, and sold for $35.00
Erik liked pretending he was eating dirt and worms. Remember when he really liked to eat dirt and worms!

Here's a picture in case you forgot.

Make a Wish!

We Bought Chris' birthday cake at the Cub Scout cake auction. It is a chocolate falg cake with cream cheese frosting and hot tamales and blue M&Ms to make up the stars and stripes. It was delicous I bet you are all jealous you were not here!

Our Vacation to Ireland

No we didn't really go to Ireland. These pictures were taken just outside of Victor ID. The unusual amount of spring rain made this an extraordinarily green summer

Shake your Tighty Whities

In the van together

This is why we got a van!

It's Fathers Day!

Riley and Camden at the Zoo

Camden Carter Riley's best friend invited him to the zoo last Friday. They are equally goofy and make a good pair. Camden's mom was nice enough to send me some pictures of their day together here are a few.

Soccer Boys

Soccer season is well on it's way. Riley and Tian are having tons of fun. Erik prefers to play in the volleyball sand pit next to the soccer field

Max in action

Tonja doesn't believe Max can run. See the skin folds fly!

Aliens have Landed

We had a blast at Riley's 8th birthday party. Everyone made their own alien mask and a flying saucer.

Strep

It seems like evey year in January our family passes Strep throat around. We were lucky this year, only Bubba and I were sick. It hit me hard, and finally after 10 days I am feeling better. I am ready for spring. We had 16 in of snow this week and I got to shovel it all by my self. This has been the snowiest year I can remember since I was in high school.

Let's hope this was the last storm and Spring is on the Way!

Healthy choices

Feeding a family of 5 is a chore, especially when you are trying to raise 3 strong healthy boys. Bubba has decide that beans are all gross. Tian only eats once a day. Only Erik will eat a good healthy meal. Fruit is my salvation. All 3 will eat fruit until sick. Winter time means apples oranges, and granola. Here is my recipe for my Favorite Granola.







The Best Granola

8C rolled Oats


1/2 C canola oil


3/4 C maple syrup


3T mollasses


1T cinnamon


1/2 tsp salt


3C nuts of your choice


3C dried fruits of your choice





Preheat oven to 325. In a small bowl wisk oil, syrup molasses salt and cinnamon. Place oats in alarge bowl and mix in oil/syrup until oats are coated. Spread on 2 large baking sheets and bake 12 min. Stir oats add nut and bake 12 min more. remove from oven and cool. Add fruit to granola and store in an airtight container on the shelf 2 weeks in the freezer 1 year.